Coleus
Coleus is a common name used for colorful ornamental plants in the mint family, especially *Coleus scutellarioides*.
Coleus is a common name for colorful ornamental plants in the mint family, primarily *Coleus scutellarioides*. Grown for its variegated foliage, it is widely used in gardens, containers, and bedding displays. Native to tropical and subtropical parts of Asia and northern Australia, it is typically treated as a tender perennial or annual in cooler climates.
Description
Coleus is an ornamental foliage plant with brightly variegated leaves and square, succulent or semi-succulent stems. It forms a bushy mound and is commonly grown as an annual in temperate regions because it is frost-sensitive.
Taxonomy and naming
Most modern horticultural references place the commonly grown coleus under *Coleus scutellarioides*, while older references may use *Solenostemon scutellarioides* or *Plectranthus scutellarioides*. The name 'coleus' is also used more broadly in horticulture for related ornamental selections.
Cultivation
Coleus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil and partial shade, though some newer cultivars tolerate stronger sunlight. It is easy to grow from seed or cuttings and is used in borders, containers, hanging baskets, and indoor displays.
Horticultural use
The plant is grown for its leaf colour rather than its flowers, which are small and less showy. Its popularity has remained strong since Victorian-era ornamental gardening, when it became a widely planted bedding and container plant.
Key facts
- Coleus is valued for its colorful leaves, which may include green, yellow, pink, red, rust, and maroon.
- It belongs to the mint family and has square stems and opposite leaves like other Lamiaceae members.
- The plant is native to tropical Asia and northern Australia, though some sources describe a broader tropical distribution.
- Coleus grows well in moist, rich, well-drained soil and performs best in partial shade, though newer cultivars can handle more sun.
- It is commonly propagated from seed or cuttings and used in beds, containers, hanging baskets, and as a houseplant.
Coleus is widely grown in Canada as a summer bedding plant, container plant, and indoor ornamental because it adds strong foliage colour and is easy to propagate. Its cold sensitivity means it is usually treated as an annual outdoors in most Canadian climates.[3][12]
Frequently asked questions
What is coleus?
Is coleus an annual or perennial?
What colours do coleus leaves come in?
Does coleus need full sun?
How tall does coleus grow?
How is coleus propagated?
References
- NC State University — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/coleus-scutellarioides/Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, growth habit, size, and light/soil preferences
- Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/coleus/Supports: Foliage colours and ornamental use
- University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/gardening-minnesota/coleusSupports: Family, stem and leaf traits, propagation, colour range, growth size, and cold sensitivity
- Texas Tech University — https://www.depts.ttu.edu/plantresources/Pages/directories/landscape-info-sheets/herbaceous-info/Solenostemon_scutellarioides.phpSupports: Scientific name usage and common name
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University — https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/soscSupports: Scientific name, common name, and family
- Gardenia.net — https://www.gardenia.net/guide/coleus-plant-care-and-growing-guideSupports: Older botanical names, ornamental use, and Lamiaceae family placement
- University of Connecticut Home and Garden Education Center — https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/2024/07/19/coleus/Supports: Historical horticultural context and Victorian-era popularity
- Proven Winners — https://www.provenwinners.com/how-plant/coleusSupports: Annual/perennial treatment, colour range, and cold sensitivity